Testing a refined version of the Veterans Affairs' Partnership for Dementia Care

It is estimated that half a million veterans have dementia. This vulnerable and growing population has complex health care needs and multiple co-existing medical conditions. The vulnerability of many of these veterans who turn to the Veterans Administration health care system is exacerbated by a variety of other social, financial or emotional problems. Family caregivers of veterans with dementia face the demands and strain of caregiving, particularly when combined with other family and work responsibilities and/or caregivers' own health concerns. RWJF previously supported a research project, Partners in Dementia Care. The PDC intervention coordinates health care and supportive community services for the vulnerable population of elderly veterans with dementia and their families' caregivers. This model of coordinated care is based on partnerships between Veterans Administration Medical Centers that provide primary and specialty care and local Alzheimer's chapters that provide information, support and care consultation services. This grant provides supplemental funding to determine if the Partners in Dementia Care is effective and should be considered for national implementation by the Veterans Administration. Funding from RWJF will be used to support year one and part of years two and three of intervention activities to Alzheimer chapters that will partner with local Veterans Administration centers.